The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1887-04-08


Gsx RrPLsY's FuRSxnAL-rhs City Of
Charleston honnred in an eminent degree in tho
manner in which il paid its debt Of gratitude
to, and exhibited its high appreciation Of, its
heroic defender in times long gone by, aud who
now sleeps, "his warfare DER, in the bosom Of
the soil he loved so we'll. II has been many
years, indeed, since an event OF so mnch sig
nifcanoe has taken place in this old city as
that which its people assembled yesterday
morning to commemorate-ihe reception aud
burial here Of tho remains Of Gen. Il. 8. Rip
ley, whose name is so intimately and promi- |
nently connected with some Of the most drama
tic chapters in the eitys history. Who Gen. |
Ripley was, and what he did in defence Of the
city Of his adoption, are too we'll known to neod
repetition-too deeply eugraven in the recol-
lection Of his old comrsdes-iu-arms to DO yet
forgotten, and there are but few Of the after
generation who are not familiar with the story
Of the defence cf their city anu the oheif actor
in those stirring times. 1t is o,ly perhaps
meet to say that there was in tho occasion not
only honor paid to an heroic ehi.itain. but to
an adopted SON Of the city, who, coming as .
stranger into tho straage land, wrote his name
inde'libly with soldiers sword in the affeo-
tions Of n people for whose defence he aban-
doncd his homo aud native State.
Gen. Ripley died in New York on Tuesday
night, March %, and, in accordance with the
express desire Of the deceased, arrangements
were at once begun to have the remains
brought to Charleston for interment in Mag
nolia Cenetary.
The remains were taken 70 81. Lakes Church.
and the handsome ca,ket was plao ed in the
vestibulc Of the church. At . very early hour
the citizens, generally, began to con hgregatc at
the church to take last look at the brave old
soldier. The embalming process was perfect,
and, although mnrred by time alone, the fea-
lures Of the Generals face were woll preserved.
His hair, beard and musiachc were almost sill.
yer white, and his face was flushed rs with the
the pride and excitement Of some valorous deed
in his military career. Many Of his compan-
ions-in-arms paused sadly and reaeciiv ely
over the coffin and noted the well-kuowu Inca
ments. high forhead and FURNISHED and bronx
ed features Of tho gallant veteran. Thousands
passed into the vestibule and paid tho last token
Of respect to the deceased.
The coffin was literally covered with flowers
and evergreens and drapsd with silver muss.
Among the notably beautiful designs were three.
the Offering Of the Survivors Association of
Charleston District, and which were suggested
by w. Nj. Courtenay, q member of the Aesoci-
nton. The chief Of these floral tributes was
large anchor made Of White French immor-
tslles, on the crossarm Of which, in purple
flowers, was the word "Sumpter." on the nuke,
In graceful curve, the word Charleston
There were also two beautiful wreaths Of white
immortclles, one displaying the word "Moul-
trie" and the other the word "Waguer."
Around these conspicuous memorials were
rious other loving contributions, buuohes of
simple flowers and coronals aud wreaths
Of the richest and rarest roses, some offered by
the reletives and others by the moro intimate
friends OF tho deceased. II should also be
stated in this connection that some. affectionate
friend or friends OF Gen. Ripley had placed
upon his breast in New York bouquet of
cloth Of gold roses. which were as fresh and un-
faded rs on the day they were so placed.
The funeral services were read by tho Rev.
John johnson, pastor Of st. Philips, who was
assisted in the ceremonies by the Rev. DR..
Robt. Wilson, Of the church in which the ser
vices were being held. The scene was at onoo
solemn, instructive and impressive.
Aher the funeral services the remains were
placed in the hearse, drawn by four handsome
black horses which was followed to Magnolia
Cemetary by long line Of carriages
The funeral train arrived ut the grounds
about quarter past IL o'clock, and the inter
ment was made In the presence Of the officers
already mentioned, and Of the daughter and
near relatives Of the deceased. When the
grave had been 6llsd and the mound covered
with moss, Capt. w. Aiken Kelly president,
and Mr.. John W. Ward, Secretary Of the Sur
vivors Associations stepped forward and laid
upon thsgrave the three beautiful floral decor
ations PlrSady described. Immediately there
after fHo ladies, one OF whom was the daughter
Of Gen. Ripley. also approached the grave,
deposited graceful memorials, paused awhile
and then retired to their places.
In n few minutes after these incidents the
attendants at the hurinl were on their way
back 10 the oity.-NeWs and Courier.